Apparatus for displaying, monitoring and/or controlling shower, bath or sink faucet water parameters with an audio or verbal annunciations or control means

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a display apparatus for affixation to shower head, bath or sink faucet water supply piping or incorporated within a shower, or bath or faucet head. The display apparatus includes a power generation, CPU or microprocessor, temperature sensor and/or water flow sensors, timing circuits, and audio or verbal communication means and a display means. The present invention can position some components remotely from other components that communicate by wired or wireless means. The communication means is designed 1) to detect and respond to audio signals or verbal instructions or commands and/or 2) annunciate audio signals or verbal messages.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/877,860 filed on Oct. 24, 2007 and U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/539,150 filed on Aug. 11, 2009 and Provisional ApplicationSer. No. 61/241,111 filed on Sep. 10, 2009.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This apparatus and the method of use relates to shower or bath heads andwater supply piping, more particularly, to shower head, faucet, bath orwater supply piping having a visual analog or digital display of certainparameters of the supplied water, such as the temperature, flow rate,and time and timing parameters.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional shower head designs include those having a shower headhousing with a plurality of passageways allowing various water sprays toflow from the shower head. Furthermore, shower heads having a surfacewith a plurality of passageways, or nozzle orifices which utilize abacking disk having a plurality of resilient and flexible nozzle tipsprotruding through the nozzle orifices are known. The resilient nozzlesof these known shower heads allow for convenient elimination of thebuild-up of calcium or other deposits by manually flexing the resilientnozzles when it appears that material is collecting therein. In theseknown shower heads, the entire nozzle is formed of a resilient andflexible rubber which does not match the finish of, e.g., a brass orchrome shower head.

Conventional faucets include one or more water supply valves incommunication with a generally tubular structure that extends from thebase of a sink area and allows water to flow into a sink basin. Thefaucet is generally used to facilitate washing various objects with theassistance of a surfactant. Surfactants are compounds that lower thesurface tension of a liquid allowing easier spreading or lowering theinterfacial tension between a liquid and an object. The water supply canbe operated by a single mixing valve or by two valves for regulated theamount of hot and cold water. Conventional bath faucets extend from thewall or base of an enclosure and allow water to flow into the bathenclosure.

The use of adjustable shower heads, sink and bath faucets are known inthe prior art. More specifically, adjustable shower heads sink and bathfaucets heretofore devised and utilized are known to consist basicallyof familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations,notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded priorart which have been developed for the fulfillment of countlessobjectives and requirements.

Water conservation is becoming a major issue for many cities and aapparatus for monitoring water usage at a specific residential orcorporate site could be useful in supporting water conservation.

Another type of an adjustable shower head, sink/bath faucet and watersupply piping assemblies are conventionally constituted by a hose whichmay be in the form of a flexible tube protected by metal coils or in theform of a plastic hose optionally including braiding. In either case,the hose is generally linear in shape and has a length lying in therange 1.25 meters (m) to 2 m. When not in use, the hose hangs down intoa bath tub or other bathroom fitting where it is often dirtied bycontact with dirty water.

Sometimes the hose can be hidden away in a chute (requiring a hole to bemade), in which case it dirties a volume that is inaccessible forcleaning. The hole often leads to water seeping under the bath tub.Furthermore, these drawbacks (difficulty of storage and problems withdirt) make it undesirable to install a longer hose, even though a longerhose would often be convenient when the shower head is in use. As aresult of shower hoses not being long enough, they are often damaged bythe user pulling on them.

Anti-scalding pressure balance and thermostatic temperature controlvalves are becoming an important part in bathroom plumbing because theattempt to minimize scalding and cold water shocks that can occur in ashower when a toilet is flushed or a faucet is turned on.

Furthermore, there is a need for monitoring water parameters for homeand commercial use can be incorporated into the device using wirelesstechnology.

Furthermore, there is a need for displaying, monitoring and/orcontrolling water parameters using audio or verbal annunciations orcommands.

Accordingly, a need remains for an adjustable shower, sink or bathfaucet or water supply piping with displays either with analog ordigital means certain parameters, such as time on, flow rate, totalvolume, and temperature, in order to overcome or supplement theabove-noted shortcomings. The present invention satisfies such a need byproviding an adjustable shower head, bath or faucet assembly that isconvenient and easy to use, provides adequate reach and adjustingcapabilities for various applications, and is attractive in appearance.

In additional, this is a need for an adjustable shower or bath head orwater supply piping monitors water usage to encourage water savings andpromote careful conscientious use of water and energy resources.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a display apparatus that is in communicationwith a shower sink or bath water supply piping or incorporated within ashower, bath or sink faucet, in an aesthetically pleasing format andcomprised of fabrication materials e.g., a polymeric or metallic baseswith chrome, brass white or colored finishes or combination of thesefinishes and materials of construction. The display apparatus includes apower generation, a microprocessor, temperature and/or water flowsensors, timing circuits and a display means. The display means can bean analog or digital display or combination of display means and canhave touch screen capability or ergonomically placed buttons can beincorporated into the display means to change parameter units (e.g.metric to US), set alarm conditions (e.g. temperature over set point,time past a set point, volume (gallons) that passed a set point). Thedisplay means must be able to provide sufficient lighting in showerconditions. In addition, the display means must be able to sustaincapability in moist wet conditions. In some embodiments definedattachment to a shower display apparatus, know piping joint technologywill be used for installation into both new and presently installedshower systems. In the embodiment defined by the display meansincorporate into the shower head the shower head/display assembly canalso be installed in both new and presently installed shower systems. Aspeaker and microphone is electrically through wired or wireless meansconnected to the microprocessor and circuitry to allow for verbal oraudio annunciations or verbal and audio commands. The display apparatuscan include an wireless communication means such as BlueTooth technologyor IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n, Zigbeeradio-frequency modulation techniques and thus can communication with aremote speaker and/or microphone, or a remote display or recordingapparatus. In one of the embodiments, the display apparatus will includeaudio or verbal annunciations of certain water parameters, such asannouncing “temperature ninety nine degrees Fahrenheit”. In another ofthe embodiment, the display apparatus can be incorporated to include ameans to use audio commands to instruct the present invention to performcertain functions, such as turning on or turning off the water supply.In another embodiment, the means to use audio or verbal commands toinstruct the present invention to perform certain functions with orwithout the use of a display means. Furthermore, in the embodiment usingaudio or verbal commands, a confirmatory annunciation may beincorporated to reduce the occurrence of false commands.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the embodiment comprising the displayapparatus attached to the shower head's water supply piping, anarticulated joint mechanism, and including a shower head in accordancewith the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a typical display means showing thearticulated joint mechanism and selection buttons on the side of thedisplay means body.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section taken from the 3-3 line on FIG. 2 showing thesensors and there relative position of the sensors in the supply linelumen and the connecting wires for the display means.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the second embodiment showing thedisplay means incorporated within the shower head in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 electrical schematics showing the main power, CPU ormicroprocessor, the analog or digital display means, the clock circuit,the temperature sensor, microphone and the flow sensor.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the display apparatus installed ina shower enclosure communicating an audio or verbal message to anindividual.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an individual communicating anaudio or verbal command with the display apparatus installed in a showerenclosure.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a third embodiment showing the displayapparatus extending from a typical sink faucet.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment showing the displayapparatus extending from a typical bath faucet.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the third, fourth, fifth and sixthembodiments display apparatus showing a speaker and a microphoneincorporated within the display apparatus.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a fifth embodiment the displaymeans incorporated within a typical sink faucet.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a sixth embodiment the displaymeans incorporated within a typical bath faucet.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. The exemplifications set out hereinillustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention, and suchexemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of theinvention in any manner.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As defined wherein, the term “water parameters” refers to varioussituations or conditions, such as, but not limited to, temperature,water pressure, water flow rate, water flow time, and the capability ofturning on and off a water supply. The term audio or verbalannunciations water parameter information or control confirmation thatis provided in audio or verbal format that can be heard by anindividual. The term audio or verbal control means refers to audio orverbal format that can be verbalized or spoken by an individual tocontrol a particular feature of the present invention.

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1 is aperspective view of the embodiment comprising the first embodiment ofthe display apparatus 10 attached to the shower or bath head's watersupply piping 14 extending from a typical shower or bath wall 12, awater pipe union or joint 18, an articulated joint mechanism 22, andincluding a general shower head 16 in accordance with the presentinvention. The first embodiment of the show display apparatus 10 isdesigned to become attached to the shower or bath head's water supplypiping in easily installation and aesthetically pleasing format. Thecomponents of the first embodiment of the present invention include awater pipe joint union or section 18, an extending or articulating jointsection 22, and a housing section 20 containing the power source with awater proof removable cover 24, a computer apparatus and first 32,second 34 and third 36 parameter display mechanisms.

The water pipe union or joint 18 can be fabricated from typical metallicpiping materials such as brass, brass alloys, steel, galvanized steel,copper, copper allows or any combination thereof. The water pipe jointcan be fabricated from a number of polymeric materials, such aspolyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene, polybutylene,acryaontirile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), rubber modified styrene,polypropylene, polyacetal, polyethylene, or nylon. The base material canbe painted white or colored finishes or coated with various brass,silver and gold type materials to accommodate the match with variouspresently marketed finishes. As shown in FIG. 2, the water pipe uniongenerally has a female thread (not shown) within the input end 20 forengaging the treads of a typical water supply pipe and a male thread 19on the output end 21 for engaging the female threads of the typicalshower head 16 or bath supply means. For certain applications, themale/female thread locations can be changed to accommodate certainattachment forms or specifications. In addition, other attachment means,such as adhesive, snap fit joint, compression fitting, flare fitting orother technologies can be employed.

The material for fabricating the water pipe union 18 is not particularlyimportant except that the joint has to engage the extending orarticulating joint with a relatively water tight seal, and thatpreferably there should be a sealing means that functions 1) to securein place, any parameter sensors that are projecting into the waterstream and 2) to provide a water-tight seal that can prevent any waterfrom penetrating past the seal (and into the shaft). Various washerdesigns fabricated from compounds of rubber, urethane, elastomeric orthermosetting polymeric compounds have been disclosed and are in presentin similar uses. Seal and sealing technology is well known in the art.In addition, there should be a continuous lumen or means from the waterpipe union and through the extending or articulating shaft such that theelectrical connection means from the sensors can be engaged to thecomputer/display mechanism in the display housing 20. In is anticipatedby the Applicant that the sealing means can be placed in anotherlocation, for example, on the other end of the shaft, in any preferablelocation. The joint between the water pipe union and the extending orarticulating shaft could be screw and thread technology, snap fit,compression fitting, flare fitting, or use adhesive technology. Forexample, in the case of fabricating with a metallic component, a solder,brazed, or sweat joint could be used. For example, in the case ofpolymeric, the extending or articulating could be an extension of thedisplay apparatus manufactured by molding, heat bonding, or adhesivetechnology. The joint may be designed to be permanent or removable.

The material for fabricating the extending or articulating shaft 22 canbe a metallic material such as brass, brass and bronze alloys, steel,galvanized steel, copper, copper alloys or any combination thereof. Theextending or articulating shaft can be fabricated from a number ofpolymeric materials, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene,polybutylene, acryaontirile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), rubber modifiedstyrene, polypropylene, polyacetal, polyethylene, or nylon. The basematerial can be painted white or colored finishes or coated with variousbrass, silver and gold type materials to accommodate the match withvarious presently marketed finishes.

The material for fabricating the extending or articulating shaft 22 isnot particularly important except that the joint has to engage the waterpipe union with a water tight seal, and that the other end should bedesigned to engage the display housing. In addition, the articulatingmay also have water protection means, such as have water tight jointsthe form the articulation, or surrounding the lumen and electricalconnections with a protective jacket or barrier. Also, there should be alumen or one or more holes for receiving the electrical connection meansfrom the sensors. The extending or articulating shaft is engaged to thecomputer/display housing 20. The joint between the water pipe union andthe extending or articulating shaft, as previously disclosed, could bescrew and thread fitting, compression fitting, flare fitting, or useadhesive technology. For example, in the case of fabricating with ametallic component, a solder, brazed, or sweat joint could be used. Forexample, in the case of polymeric, the extending or articulating couldbe an extension of the display apparatus manufactured by molding, heatbonding, or adhesive technology. The joint may be designed to bepermanent or removable.

Now referring to FIG. 2, the first embodiment of the present inventiondisplay apparatus 10 includes a housing 20, a computerized circuit boardhaving a power source 87 (depicted in FIG. 5), the display means housinghaving a water tight door 24 for replacing or regenerating the powersource (shown in FIG. 1) and an one or more buttons or activators thatallow for certain modification of the software instructions (changeunits, input timing, alarms). The housing 20 can be fabricated from ametallic material such as brass, brass alloys, steel, galvanized steel,copper, copper allows or any combination thereof. The display meanshousing can be fabricated from a number of polymeric materials, such aspolyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene, polybutylene,acryaontirile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), rubber modified styrene,polypropylene, polyacetal, polyethylene, or nylon. The base material canbe painted white or colored finishes or coated with various brass,silver and gold type materials to accommodate the match with variouspresently marketed finishes.

The material for fabricating the display means housing 20 is notparticularly important except that the joint has to engage the extendingor articulating joint with a water tight seal and be of sufficient sizeand weight to contain the electrical and power components housing. Thesize of the display means will generally determine the size of thehousing but it does not have to be substantially rectangular as shown,any number of geometric configurations could be used in the presentinvention. In addition, the articulating may also have water protectionmeans, such as have water tight joints the form the articulation, orsurrounding the lumen and electrical connections with a protectivejacket or barrier. Also, there should be a lumen or one or more holesfor receiving the electrical connection means from the sensors. Theextending or articulating can be engaged to the computer/displaymechanism in the display housing. The joint between the water pipe jointand the extending or articulating joint could be screw and threadfitting, compression fitting, flare fitting, use adhesive technology. Inthe case of fabricating with a metallic component, a solder, brazed, orsweat joint could be used. In the case of polymeric, the extending orarticulating could be an extension of the display apparatus manufacturedby molding or heat bonding technology. The joint may be designed to bepermanent or removable.

The display (as presented in FIG. 1 in general means 32, 34, and 36 andas presented in FIG. 2 in more detail 42, 44 and 46) utilizes one ormore illuminating technologies, such as LCD, LED, gas plasma,fluorescence, incandescent, halogen, halide, or other lightingtechnologies but must able to provide sufficient lighting for observingthe data in shower conditions. In addition, the display means anddisplay means housing must be able to sustain capability in moist wetconditions. The present invention can include one or more than onedisplay parameter. For example, a unit with only the temperature displaycan be manufactured to reduce overall costs. Furthermore, theorientation of the parameters 42, 44, and 46 presented can be changed,for example, the flow parameter can be on top with the time parameter onthe bottom and with the temperature parameter sandwiched between. Thedisplays 42, 44, and 46 can have a background light that is used forvarious purposes, for example, for providing better lighting conditionsor changing color e.g. from green to red, to display an alarmingcondition. Displaying of all water parameters 42, 44 and 46 can utilizea gang multiple LCD, LED, gas plasma, fluorescence, incandescent,halogen, halide, or other lighting technologies separate displays,custom displays, graphic displays or a single line display whichsufficient digits that sequences the presentation of the waterparameters 42, 44, and 46 one at a time with a specific delay andsequencing. Only as an example, the LCD unit that can be used with thepresent invention is the color graphic 128×128 LCD-00569 marketed bySparkfun Electronics in Boulder, Colo. It is anticipated by theApplicants that there are other variants and other LCD, LED, gas plasma,fluorescence, incandescent, halogen, halide, or other graphic orlighting technologies that can be utilized with the present invention.

Not shown in FIG. 1 or 2 (but described in more detail in 5), is a CPUor microprocessor and associated circuitry mounted on an electroniccircuit board to control the display means and communicate with thesensors. The CPU or microprocessor and associated circuitry mounted onan electronic circuit board can also have the capability to beprogrammed for controlling certain display means (e.g. U.S. or metricunits), programming certain alarm or setting states (e.g. flash alldisplay means red when the total volume has exceeded a certain volume,for example, 15 gallons).

The display assembly can be programmed to display one or more parametersin a visual means that can be either an analog, character or digitaldisplay, or combination of display means. Information obtained from theappropriate sensor monitoring or measuring the water parameters such astemperature, shower time (water on), and flow rate can be displayed inan appropriate format on the display means. For example, when a sensoris monitoring the shower temperature of water flowing through the showerhead, the display means could show any temperature between 32 degreesFahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius) and 212 degrees Fahrenheit (100 degreesCelsius), and within a reasonable range of 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10.0degrees Celsius) and 150 degrees Fahrenheit (65.5 degrees Celsius). Forexample, when a sensor is monitoring or measuring the rate of waterflowing from a water source or through the shower head, the displaymeans could show any flow between 0 gal/min (0 liters/hr) and 100gal/min, within a reasonable range of 0.2 gal/min (liter/min) to 20gal/min (liters/min). In additional, when a sensor is monitoring ormeasuring the rate of water flowing from a water source or through theshower head, the display means could show the total volume of water thathas been used, e.g. 23 gallons. Furthermore, the display can beprogrammed to display calendar information, such as the date and currenttime (12 hr. or 24 hr. format).

It is anticipated by the Applicant the present invention can befabricated and marketed with one, two or more display means. Forexample, a lower cost display assembly can be fabricated and sold thatonly has a temperature sensor and temperature display means. A moreexpensive display assembly can be fabricated and sold that hastemperature, flow, timing and other sensors with various programmedmethods and a shut off mechanism.

Also shown in FIG. 2, one or more ergonomically 50, 52, and/or 54 placedbuttons or activators can be incorporated into the display means housingto allow the modification of certain parameter units (e.g. metric toUS), set alarm conditions (e.g. temperature over-set point, timepast-set point, flow rate-set points), or to program certain settings,e.g. total shower time before shutdown or alarm, monitor continuousleakage (valve not complete shut off). The buttons will electricallycommunicate with the electronic circuit board contained with the housing20 and respond to programmed instructions integrated within the CPU ormicroprocessor and associated circuitry of the electronic circuit board.The buttons or activators 50, 52 and/or 54 should be mounted with thedisplay means housing 20 with the capability to protect the buttons andelectronic circuitry with the housing for exposure to moist and wetconditions. The buttons or activators 50, 52, and 54 can be replaced byusing a display means with touch screen capability. The LCD unitdescribed above as an example to be used with the present invention isthe color graphic 128×128 LCD-00569 presently marketed by SparkfunElectronics in Boulder, Colo. can be ordered with touch screencapability. The touch screen or tablet type capability can allow formodifications of certain parameter units or program certain settings. Itis anticipated by the Applicant that numerous other graphic or lightingdisplays with touch screen or tablet type capability may be utilizedwith the present invention.

A visual alarm can be incorporated into the present invention whereby apreset alarm or programmed alarm, changes the screen display, forexample, blinking a parameter, or changing the color of a parameter(green to red). A preset alarm might include visual reference, forexample, an in-operative condition, broken sensor, low power source andsome default limits. Programmed visual alarms would allow for individualselection (e.g. temperature over set point, time past set point, flowrate, total volume exceeded set points) which might be restricted or notby the default settings.

In addition, an auditory alarm can be incorporated into the presentinvention whereby a preset alarm or programmed alarm, changes the screendisplay, for example, using sound or pulsing a specific noise, orchanging the color of a parameter. For example, the temperature displaycan change from green to red when a preset temperature is crossed. Apreset alarm might include visual reference, for example, anin-operative condition, broken sensor, low power source and some defaultlimits. Programmed auditory alarms would allow for individual selection(e.g. temperature over set point, time past set point, flow rate setpoints) which might be restricted or not by the default settings.

In addition, the present invention can include water shut off means (notshown) to turn the shower or bath water off if an alarm or setting hasbeen activated. The water shut off means is electrically connected tothe CPU or microprocessor and the power means such the computer controlsthe application of electrical power to activate or de-activate the watershut off means. The water shut off means can comprise, for example, atypical ball valve or solenoid shut off valve incorporate into theconnection union such that water from the source is closed such that nowater exits the shower or bath water head. The water shut off means canbe activated if an alarm state has been achieved, e.g. shower time of 10minutes and 10 seconds has expired, or temperature is above 115 degreesFahrenheit, or the total of 15 gallons of water has flowed since thewater source was opening. The alarm or settings can be a default settinginstalled by the manufacturer or programmed by the user. In addition,the typical on-off ball valve or solenoid shut off valve can have aprogrammable on-off sequence for other purposes, for example, waterconservation purposes (e.g. programmed for initial rising 5 minutes and5 seconds, off for 4 minutes and 4 seconds to apply soap or shampoo, andthen on again for 5 minutes and 5 seconds for rising the soap or shampoooff). The times shown above are only provided as an example. The timee.g. 5 minutes and 5 seconds, can be programmed as desired by the userto accomplish the personal needs, e.g. 10 minutes.

In the embodiment defined by the attached shower display apparatus, knowpiping joint technology, as described above, will be used forinstallation into both new and presently installed shower and bathsystems.

In the embodiment defined by the display means incorporated into theshower head, the shower head/display assembly can also be installed inboth new and presently installed shower systems.

As illustrated in FIG. 3 is a cross-section taken from the 3-3 line onFIG. 2 showing the sensors 70, 72 and 74 located within a piping jointconnection 22 and there relative position of the sensors in the supplyline lumen 38 and the connecting wires 71, 73, and 75 for the displaymeans.

In general, a sensor is a type of transducer. A direct type indicatingsensors, for example, a mercury thermometer, is human readable. However,other sensors must be paired with an indicator or display, for instance,thermocouple sensor. Most sensors are electrical or electronic, althoughother types exist.

Technological progress allows for more and more to be manufactured onthe microscopic scale as micro-sensors using MEMS technology. In mostcases a micro-sensor reaches a significantly higher speed andsensitivity compared with macroscopic approaches.

There are many types of sensors that can be used with the presentinvention. Since a significant small change involves an exchange ofenergy, sensors can be classified according to the type of energytransfer that they detect. For measuring or monitoring the temperatureof the water flowing from the shower or bath head, the use of variousthermocouples or thermistor sensors 70 as depicted in FIG. 3 isprotruding within the water supply lumen 38 (or in close proximity tothe water to be measured) and mounted within the articulating jointmechanism 22. Wires 71 are shown extending from the sensor 70 toelectronically communicate with the CPU or microprocessor 84 and displayunit.

In 1821, the German-Estonian physicist Thomas Johann Seebeck discoveredthat when any conductor (such as a metal) is subjected to a thermalgradient, it will generate a voltage. This is now known as thethermoelectric effect or Seebeck effect. Any attempt to measure thisvoltage necessarily involves connecting another conductor to the “hot”end. This additional conductor will then also experience the temperaturegradient, and develop a voltage of its own which will oppose theoriginal. Fortunately, the magnitude of the effect depends on the metalin use. Using a dissimilar metal to complete the circuit will have adifferent voltage generated, leaving a small difference voltageavailable for measurement, which increases with temperature. Thisdifference can typically be between 1 and 70 micro-volts per degreeCelsius for the modern range of available in metal combinations. Certaincombinations have become popular as industry standards, driven by cost,availability convenience, melting points, chemical properties,stability, and output.

It is important to note that thermocouples measure the temperaturedifference between two points, not absolute temperature. In traditionalapplications, one of the junctions, the cold junction, was maintained ata known (reference) temperature, while the other end was attached to aprobe.

For example, the cold junction could be at copper traces on the circuitboard. Another temperature sensor will measure the temperature at thispoint, so that the temperature at the probe lip can be calculated.Having available a known temperature cold junction, while useful forlaboratory calibrations, is simply not convenient for most directlyconnected indicating and control instruments. They incorporate intotheir circuits an artificial cold junction using some other thermallysensitive device (such as a thermistor or diode) to measure thetemperature of the input connections at the instrument, with specialcare being taken to minimize any temperature gradient between terminals.Hence, the voltage from a known cold junction can be simulated, and theappropriate connection applied. This is known as cold junctioncompensation.

Additionally, cold junction compensation can be performed by software.Device voltages can be translated into temperatures by two methods.Values cast either be found in look-up tables or approximated usingpolynomial coefficients.

Any extension cable or compensating cable must be selected to match diethermocouple. It generates a voltage proportional to the differencebetween the hot junction and cold junction, and is connected in thecorrect polarity so that the additional voltage is added to thethermocouple voltage, compensating for die temperature differencebetween the hot end cold junctions.

The relationship between the temperature difference and the outputvoltage of a thermocouple is generally nonlinear and is approximated bya polynomial interpolation.

$T = {\sum\limits_{n = 0}^{N}{a_{n}v^{n}}}$

The coefficients a_(n) are given for n from 0 to between 5 and 9. Toachieve accurate measurements lie equation is usually implemented in adigital controller or stored in a lookup table. Some older devices useanalog filters.

A variety of thermocouples are available, suitable for differentmeasurements applications (industrial, scientific, food temperature,medical research, etc.). They are usually selected based on thetemperature range and sensitivity needed. Thermocouples with lowsensitivities (B, R, and S types) have correspondingly lowerresolutions. Other selection criteria include the inertness of thethermocouple material, and whether or not it is magnetic. Thethermocouple types are listed below with the positive electrode first,followed by the negative electrode. For example, listed below are anumber of thermocouples types.

Type K—Chromel (Nickel-Chromium Alloy)/Alumel (Nickel-Aluminum Alloy).This is the most commonly used general purpose thermocouple. It isinexpensive and, owing to its popularity, available in a wide variety ofprobes. They are available in the 200° C. to +1200° C. range. Time typeK was specified at a time when metallurgy was less advanced than it istoday and, consequently, characteristics vary considerably betweenexamples. Another potential problem arises in sonnies situations sinceone of the constituent materials is magnetic (Nickel). Thecharacteristic of the thermocouple undergoes a step change when amagnetic material readies its Curie point. This occurs for thisthermocouople at 354° C. Sensitivity is approximately 41 μV/° C.

Type B—Chromel/Constantan (Copper-Nickel Alloy). Type B has a highoutput (65 μV/° C.) winch makes it well suited to cryogenic use.Additionally, it is non-magnetic.

Type J—Iron/Constantan. Type J has a limited range (−40 to +750° C.)makes type J generally less popular than type K. The main application iswith old equipment that cannot accept modern thermocouples. J typescannot be used above 760° C. as an abrupt magnetic transformation causespermanent de-calibration. The magnetic properties also prevent use insome applications. Type J's have a sensitivity of ˜52 μV/° C.

Type N—Nicrosil (Nickel-Chromium-Silicon Alloy)/Nisil (Nickel-SiliconAlloy). Type N thermocouples generally have high stability andresistance to high temperature oxidation which makes Thpe N suitable forhigh temperature measurements with out the cost of platinum (B, R, 5)types. They can withstand temperatures above 1200° C. Sensitivity isabout 39 μV/° C. at 900° C., slightly lower than a Type K. Designed tobe an improved type K, it is becoming more popular.

Thermocouple types B, R, and S are all noble metal thermocouples andexhibit similar characteristics. They are the most stable of alldieimocouples, but due to their low sensitivity (approximately 10 μV/°C.) they are usually only used for high temperature measurement (>300°C.).

Type B—Platinum 30% Rhodium/Platinum 6% Rhodium. Suited for hightemperature measurements up to 1800° C. Type B thermocouples (due to theshape of there temperature-voltage curve) give the same output at 0° C.and 42° C. This makes them useless below 50° C.

Type R—Platinum 13% Rhodium/Platinum. Suited for bight temperaturemeasurements up to 1600° C. Low sensitivity (10 μV/° C.) and high costmakes Type R unsuitable for general purpose use.

Type S—Platinum 10% Rhodium/Platinum. Suited for high temperaturemeasurements up to 1600° C. Low sensitivity (10 μV/° C.) and high costmakes them unsuitable for general purpose use. Due to its highstability, Type S is used as the standard of calibration for the meltingpoint of gold (1064.43° C.).

Type T—Copper/Constantan. Suited for measurements in the −200 to 350° C.range. Often used as a differential measurement since only copper wiretouches the probes. As both conductors are non-magnetic, type Tthermocouples are a popular choice for applications such as electricalgenerators which contain strong magnetic fields. Type T thermocoupleshave a sensitivity of ˜43 μV/° C.

Type C—Tungsten 5% Rhenium/Tungsten 26% Rhenium. Suited for measurementsin the 32 to 4208° F. (0 to 2320° C.). This thermocouple is well-suitedfor vacuum furnaces at extremely high temperature and must never be usedin the presence of oxygen at temperatures above 500° F.

Type M—Nickel Alloy 19/Nickel-Molybdenum Alloy 20. This type is used inthe vacuum furnaces as well for the same reasons as with type C above.Upper temperature is limited to 2500° F. (1400° C.). Though it is a lesscommon type of thermocouple, look-up tables to correlate temperature toEMF (mini-volt output) are available.

A thermistor is a type of resistor used to measure temperature changes,relying on the change in its resistance with changing temperature.Thermistor is a combination of time words thermal and resistor. Thethermistor was invented by Samuel Ruben in 1930, and was disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 2,021,491.

If we assume that the relationship between resistance amid temperatureis linear (i.e. we make a first-order approximation), then we can saythat:ΔR=KΔTWhere:

ΔR change in resistance

ΔT=change in temperature

k=first-order temperature coefficient of resistance

Thermistors can be classified into two types depending on the sign of k.If k is positive, the resistance increases with increasing temperature,and the device is called a positive temperature coefficient (PTC)thermistor (Posistor). If is negative, the resistance decreases with indecreasing temperature, and the device is call a negative temperaturecoefficient (NTC) thermistor.

Thermistors differ from resistance temperature detectors in that thematerials used in a thermistor is generally a ceramic or polymer, whileRTDs use pure metals. The temperature response is also different; RTDsare useful over larger temperature ranges.

Other thermal technologies that can be employed include temperaturesensors: thermometers, bi-metal thermometers and thermostats, heatsensors such as bolometers and calorimeter.

It is anticipated by the Applicant that various types of thermocouplesor thermistors can be used for the present invention. It is notimportant what type of thermocouple or thermistor is utilized formonitoring or measuring the temperature of the water entering the showerhead, bath head or water supply lines except that it is accurate for theappropriate temperature range monitored or measured.

In order to monitor or measure the flow rate of the water beingdelivered by the water supply line to the shower or bath head variousflow measuring technologies are applicable to the present invention. Formeasuring or monitoring the rate of the water flowing through the showeror bath head, the use of various venturi type sensors or pressuresensors 74 as depicted in FIG. 3 are positioned in close proximity tothe water to be measured and mounted within the articulating jointmechanism 22. Wires 75 are shown extending from the sensor 74 toelectronically communicate with the CPU or microprocessor 84 and displayunit.

One means to monitor flow parameter is to create a venturi, whichconstricts the flow in some fashion, and measure the differentialpressure that results across the constriction. This method is widelyused to measure flow rate in the transmission of gas or liquids troughpipelines, and has been used since Roman Empire times. The venturieffect is all example of Bernoulli's principle, in the case ofincompressible fluid flow through a tube or pipe with a constriction init. The fluid velocity must increase through the constriction to satisfythe equation of continuity, while its pressure must decrease due toconservation of energy: the gain in kinetic energy is supplied by a dropin pressure or a pressure gradient force. The effect is named afterGiovanni Battista Venturi, (1746-1822), an Italian physicist.

Using Bernoulli's equation in the special case of incompressible fluids(such as the approximation of a water jet), the theoretical pressuredrop at the constriction would be given by the formula:(p2)(v₂ ²−v₁ ²)

In addition, the flow sensor 74 can be fabricated from pressure sensortechnology. Pressure sensors are used in numerous ways for control andmonitoring in thousands of everyday applications. Pressure sensors canbe used in systems to measure other variables such as fluid/gas flow,speed, water level, and altitude. Pressure sensors can alternativelycalled pressure transducers, pressure transmitters, pressure senders,pressure indicators among other names.

Pressure sensors can vary considerably in technology, design,performance, application suitability and cost. A conservative estimatewould be that there may be over 50 technologies and at least 300companies making pressure sensors worldwide.

There are also a category of pressure sensors that are designed tomeasure in a dynamic mode for capturing very high speed changes inpressure. Example applications for this type of sensor would be in themeasuring of combustion pressure in a engine cylinder or in a gasturbine. These sensors are commonly manufactured out of piezoelectricmaterials like quartz.

Some pressure sensors function in a binary manner, i.e., when pressureis applied to a pressure sensor, the sensor acts to complete or break anelectrical circuit. Some speed cameras use them. These types of sensorsare also known as a pressure switches.

In addition, various flow measuring technologies can be utilized as theflow sensor 74. In general, a flow sensor is a device for sensing therate of fluid flow. Typically a flow sensor is the sensing element usedin a flow meter, or flow logger, to record the flow of fluids. There arevarious kinds of flow meters, including some that have a vane that ispushed by the fluid, and can drive a rotary potentiometer, or similardevice. Other flow meters use a displacement piston, pushing it againsta spring. Flow meters are related to devices called velocimeters thatmeasure velocity of fluids flowing through them. Laser-basedinterferometry is often used for air flow measurement, but for liquids,it is often easier to measure the flow. Another approach isDoppler-based methods for flow measurement. Hall effect sensors may alsobe used, on a flapper valve, or vane, to sense the position of the vane,as displaced by fluid flow. A fluid dynamics problem is easily solved(especially in non-compressible fluids) by knowing the flow at all nodesin a network. Alternatively, pressure sensors can be placed at eachnode, and the fluid network can be solved by knowing the pressure atevery node. These two situations are analogous to knowing the currentsor knowing the currents at every node (noncompressible fluid beingconserved in the same manner as Kirchoff's current or voltage laws, inwhich conservation of fluid is analogous to conservation of electrons ina circuit). Flow meters generally cost more than pressure sensors, so itis often more economical to solve a fluid dynamics network monitoringproblem by way of pressure sensors, than to use flow meters.

In addition, there are several types of mechanical flow meters that canbe utilized with the present invention as the flow sensor 74 that arelisted below.

Piston Meter—Due to the fact that they used for domestic watermeasurement Piston meters, (also known as Rotary Piston, orSemi-Positive displacement meters) are the most common in the UK and areused for almost all meter sizes up to and including 40 mm (1½″). Thepiston meter operates on the principle of a piston rotating within achamber of known volume. For each rotation, an amount of water passesthrough the piston chamber. Through a gear mechanism and, sometimes, amagnetic drive, a needle dial and odometer type display is advanced.

Woltmann Meter-Woltman meters, commonly referred to as Helix meters arepopular at larger sizes. Jet meters (single or Multi-Jet) are increasingin popularity in the UK at larger sizes and are commonplace in the EU.

Dall Tube—A shortened form of the Venturi. Lower pressure drop than anorifice plate.

Orifice Plate—Another simple method of measurement uses an orificeplate, which is basically a plate with a hole through it. It is placedin the flow and constricts the flow. It uses the same principle as theventuri meter in that the differential pressure relates to the velocityof the fluid flow (Bernoulli's principle).

Pitot tube—Measurement of the pressure within a pitot tube in theflowing fluid, or the cooling of a heated element by the passing fluidare two other methods that are used. These types of sensors areadvantageous in that they are rugged, so not easily damaged in anextreme environment. A pitot tube is an L shaped tube which is also ableto measure fluid flow.

Paddle wheel—The paddle wheel translates the mechanical action ofpaddles rotating in the liquid flow around an axis into a user-readablerate of flow (gpm, lpm, etc.). The paddle tends to be inserted into theflow.

Pelton wheel—The Pelton wheel turbine (better described as a radialturbine) translates the mechanical action of the Pelton wheel rotatingin the liquid flow around an axis into a user-readable rate of flow(gpm, lpm, etc.). The Pelton wheel tends to have all the flow travellingaround it.

Turbine flow meter—The turbine flowmeter (better described as an axialturbine) translates the mechanical action of the turbine rotating in theliquid flow around an axis into a user-readable rate of flow (gpm, lpm,etc.). The turbine tends to have all the flow travelling around it.

Thermal mass flow meters—Thermal mass flow meters generally use one ormore heated elements to measure the mass flow of gas. The gastemperature is also measured and compensated for. They provide a directmass flow readout, and do not need any additional pressure temperaturecompensation over their specified range. Thermal mass flow meters areused for compressed air, nitrogen, helium, argon, oxygen, natural gas.In fact, most gases can be measured as long as they are fairly clean andnon-corrosive.

Vortex flowmeters—Another method of flow measurement involves placing anobject (called a shedder bar) in the path of the fluid. As the fluidpasses this bar, disturbances in the flow called vortices are created.The vortices trail behind the cylinder in two rolls, alternatively fromthe top or the bottom of the cylinder. This vortex trail is called theVon Kármán vortex street after von Karman's 1912 mathematicaldescription of the phenomenon. The speed at which these vortices arecreated is proportional to the flow rate of the fluid. Inside theshedder bar is a piezoelectric crystal, which produces a small, butmeasurable, voltage pulse every time a vortex is created. The frequencyof this voltage pulse is also proportional to the fluid flow rate, andis measured by the flowmeter electronics. With f=SV/L where, f=thefrequency of the vortices L=the characteristic length of the bluff bodyV=the velocity of the flow over the bluff body S=Strouhal Number and isa constant for a given body shape.

In addition, various magnetic, ultrasound and coriolis flow meters canbe utilized with the present invention to function as the flow sensor74. Modern innovations in the measurement of flow rate incorporateelectronic devices that can correct for varying pressure and temperature(i.e. density) conditions, non-linearities, and for the characteristicsof the fluid. The most common flow meter apart from the mechanical flowmeters, is the magnetic flow meter, commonly referred to as a “magmeter” or an “electromag”. A magnetic field is applied to the meteringtube, which results in a potential difference proportional to the flowvelocity perpendicular to the flux lines. The physical principle at workis Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. The magnetic flow meterrequires a conducting fluid, e.g. water, and an electrical insulatingpipe surface, e.g. a rubber lined non magnetic steel tube.

Ultrasonic flow meters—Ultrasonic flow meters measure the difference ofthe transit time of ultrasonic pulses propagating in and against flowdirection. This time difference is a measure for the average velocity ofthe fluid along the path of the ultrasonic beam. By using the absolutetransit times both the averaged fluid velocity and the speed of soundcan be calculated. Using the two transit times t_(up) and t_(down) andthe distance between receiving and transmitting transducers L and theinclination angle α one can write the equations:

$\upsilon = {{\frac{L}{2{\sin(\alpha)}}\frac{t_{up} - t_{down}}{t_{up}t_{down}}\mspace{14mu}{and}\mspace{14mu} c} = {\frac{L}{2}\frac{t_{up} + t_{down}}{t_{up}t_{down}}}}$

Where v is the average velocity of the fluid along the sound path and cis the speed of sound.

Measurement of the doppler shift resulting in reflecting an ultrasonicbeam off the flowing fluid is another recent innovation made possible byelectronics. By passing an ultrasonic beam through the water pipe,bouncing it off of a reflective plate then reversing the direction ofthe beam and repeating the measurement the volume of water flow can beestimated. The speed of transmission is affected by the movement ofwater in the supply pipe and by comparing the time taken to complete thecycle upstream versus downstream the flow of water through the supplepipe can be measured. The difference between the two speeds is a measureof true volume flow. A wide-beam sensor can also be used to measure flowindependent of the cross-sectional area of the water supply pipe.

Coriolis flow meters—Using the Coriolis effect causes a laterallyvibrating tube to distort, a direct measurement of mass flow can beobtained in a coriolis flow meter. Furthermore a direct measure of thedensity of the fluid is obtained. Coriolis measurement can be veryaccurate irrespective of the type of gas or liquid that is measured; thesame measurement tube can be used for hydrogen gas and peanut butterwithout recalibration.

Laser-doppler flow meter. Fluid flow can be measured through the use ofa monochromatic laser diode. The laser probe is inserted into a waterpipe and turned on, where the light scatters and a small portion isreflected back to the probe. The signal is then processed to calculateflow within the water pipe. There are limitations to the use of a laserdoppler probe since the water flow within a water pipe is dependent onvolume illuminated, which is often assumed rather than measured andvaries with the optical properties of the water pipe. In addition,variations in the type and placement of the probe within identical waterpipes result in variations in reading. The laser doppler has theadvantage of sampling a small volume of water, allowing for greatprecision, but does not necessarily represent the flow within an entirewater system. The flow meter is more useful for relative rather thanabsolute measurements.

Also shown in FIG. 3, is a timing sensor 72. The timing sensor cancommunicate with the CPU or microprocessor to display such informationsuch as the time of day and current date and/or the totally durationthat the water supply has been on before it was turned off. In order tomonitor the initial time and duration of the water being delivered bythe water supply line to the shower or bath head various timingmeasuring technologies are applicable to the present invention. Formonitoring the initial time and duration of the water flowing throughthe shower or bath head, the use of various trip switches or watersensors 72 as depicted in FIG. 3 are positioned in close proximity tothe water to be monitored and mounted within the articulating jointmechanism 22. Wires 77 are shown extending from the sensor 74 toelectronically communicate with the CPU or microprocessor 84 and displayunit. Various mechanical and magnetic switches can be utilized tocommunicate a signal to the CPU or microprocessor 84 that water supplyhas been initiated and then the software instructions and CPU ormicroprocessor can display the cumulative time that the water supply isflowing through the shower or bath head. The mechanical or magneticswitch will have the capability to also communicate a signal to the CPUor microprocessor 84 that the water supply has been shut off such thatthe software instructions and CPU or microprocessor can calculatevarious parameters, such as, but not limited to, the duration of watersupply, total number of gallons or liters of water used and flow rates.In addition, the microprocessor can keep track of the timing parameterand provide instructions to conduct certain operations, e.g. send out averbal or audio signal, turn or or off a control valve means.

Technologies that can be use as the timing sensor 72 include electricalresistance sensors, ohm meter, multimeter electrical current sensors:galvanometer, ammeter, electrical voltage sensors: leaf electroscope,voltmeter electrical power sensors, watt-hour meters magnetism sensors,magnetic compass, fluxgate compass, magnetometer, Hall effect device. Inaddition, various chemical technologies, such as oxygen sensors,ion-selective electrodes, and redox electrodes might be used.Furthermore, optical radiation technology can be used as the timingsensor, such as light sensors, on photo-detectors includingsemi-conduction devices such as photocells, photodiodes,phototransistors, CCDs, and image sensors; vacuum tube devices likephoto-electric tubes, photomultiplier tubes, and mechanical instrumentssuch as the Nichols radiometer, infra-red sensors, especially used asoccupancy sensors for lighting and environmental controls,interferometry-interference fringes between transmitted and reflectedlight-waves produced by a coherent source such as a laser are countedand the distance is calculated. In addition, fiber optic sensors arecapable of extremely high precision.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the second embodiment showing thedisplay apparatus incorporated within the shower head in accordance withthe present invention. It is anticipated by the Applicant that thetechnology of the present invention can also be incorporated within afaucet head (not shown).

The display (as presented in FIG. 4 in general means 64, 66, and 68utilizes one or more illuminating technologies, such as LCD, LED, gasplasma, fluorescence, incandescent, halogen, halide, or other lightingtechnologies but must able to provide sufficient lighting for observingthe data in shower conditions. In addition, the display means must beable to sustain capability in moist wet conditions. The presentinvention can include one or more than one display parameter. Forexample, a unit with only the temperature display can be manufactured toreduce overall costs. Furthermore, the orientation of the parameters 64,66, and 68 presented can be changed, for example, the flow parameter canbe on top with the time parameter on the bottom and with the temperatureparameter sandwiched between. The displays 64, 66, and 68 can have abackground light that is used for various purposes, for example, forproviding better lighting conditions or changing color e.g. from greento red, to display an alarming condition. Displaying of all waterparameters 42, 44 and 46 can utilize a gang multiple LCD, LED, gasplasma, fluorescence, incandescent, halogen, halide, or other lightingtechnologies separate displays, custom displays, graphic displays or asingle line display which sufficient digits that sequences thepresentation of the water parameters 42, 44, and 46 one at a time with aspecific delay and sequencing. An example of a LCD unit that can be usedwith the present invention is the color graphic 128×128 LCD-00569marketed by Sparkfun Electronics in Boulder, Colo. It is anticipated bythe Applicants that there are other variants and other LCD, LED, gasplasma, fluorescence, incandescent, halogen, halide, or other lightingtechnologies that can be utilized with the present invention.

Not shown is the position or location of the temperature sensor 70, flowparameter sensor 72, and timing sensor 74. The technology described forthe first embodiment 10 is incorporated by reference for the purpose ofusing this technology to perform the monitoring and measuring of waterparameters for this second embodiment 60 of the present invention.

Not shown in FIG. 4 but described in more detail in 5, is an CPU ormicroprocessor and associated circuitry mounted on a electronic circuitboard and contained within the shower head to control the display meansand communicate with the sensors. The CPU or microprocessor andassociated circuitry mounted on the electronic circuit board can alsohave the capability to be programmed for controlling certain displaymeans (e.g. U.S. or metric units), programming certain alarm or settingstates (e.g. flash all display means red when the total volume hasexceeded a certain volume, for example, 15 gallons).

Also not shown in FIG. 4, one or more ergonomically placed buttons oractivators can be incorporated into the shower head to allow themodification of certain parameter units (e.g. metric to US), set alarmconditions (e.g. temperature over set point, time past set point, flowrate set points), or to program certain settings, e.g. total shower timebefore shutdown or alarm, monitor continuous leakage (valve not completeshut off). The buttons will communicate with the electronic circuitboard contained with the shower head 60 and respond to programmedinstructions integrated within the CPU or microprocessor and associatedcircuitry of the electronic circuit board. The buttons or activatorsshould be mounted with the shower head with the capability to protectthe buttons and electronic circuitry with the shower head for exposureto moist and wet conditions. Alternately, the display means 64, 66, and68 can be have touch screen or tablet type capability to allow formodifications of certain parameter units or program certain settings.

Shown surrounding the display means 64, 66, and 68, are plurality ofholes 62 for projecting water or water spray from the water source for atypical shower dispensing process. The orientation of the display andplurality of holes is anticipated by the Applicant to be modified toaccommodate various shower head designs.

FIG. 5 shows an electrical schematic showing the main power 87, powersupply lines 85 and 88 for CPU or microprocessor 84, the CPU ormicroprocessor 84, and the analog or digital display means 80 with adata transfer means 83 and with a power line 81 and a ground line 82.

Also shown in FIG. 5 is a timing clock integrated circuit 88 with datatransfer means 89 for communicating with the CPU or microprocessor 84and having a power line 90 and ground line 91, a temperature integratedcircuit 93 with a date transfer means 92 for communicating with the CPUor microprocessor 84 and having a power line 96 and ground 97, and theflow sensor (pressure) integrated circuit 95 with a data transfer means94 for communicating with the CPU or microprocessor 84 with a power line98 and ground line 99. The integrated circuits for the timing clock,temperature sensor and flow sensor can include circuitry to convertanalog data to a digital format.

The microprocessor that processes the information supplied by thetemperature 70, flow 74 and timing 72 sensors uses internal instructionsto control the information projected on the display 80 and forprocessing alarm states. The microprocessor can include an EEPROM or anytype of memory section that allows for specific programming to beincorporated as processing instructions. Furthermore, the microprocessormay have the capability to convert analog signals into digitalinformation for decoding and processing. An example of a microprocessorthat could be used for the CPU or microprocessor is the PIC16F876 28-pin8-Bin CMOS FLASH micro-controllers manufactured by Microchip Technology,Inc. This particular microprocessor has a 128K EEPROM Data memory bankfor flash memory of specific instructions and utilizes a 35-wordinstruction set. It also has five 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Inputs thatcan provide the means for converting the information obtained from thetemperature sensor 70, flow sensor 74, and/or timing sensor 72 from itsanalog format into a digitized form for processing by the instructionsets of the CPU or microprocessor 84. Another example of amicroprocessor that could be used for the CPU or microprocessor is theMSP430 family of processors from Texas Instruments in Dallas, Tex. Thereare hundreds of variants but for an example, the MSP430F436IPN (80 pinpackage) or MSP430F436IPZ (100 pin package) could be utilized in thepresent invention. It is anticipated by the Applicant that more powerfulmicroprocessors with more memory capacity may be utilized to accommodatethe more complex audio or verbal communications means. There are manyother variants or other microprocessors, whether commercially marketedor privately fabricated, that can be used with the present invention.

In addition, a means to record the water parameters or data can beincorporated into the present invention. An integrated memory circuitcan be incorporated into the CPU or microprocessor and associatedcircuitry with a means to transfer the recorded data to a removablemedia, such as a flash mounted on an electronic circuit board to controlthe display means and communicate with the sensors. The CPU ormicroprocessor and associated circuitry mounted on the electroniccircuit board can also have the capability to be programmed forcontrolling certain display means (e.g. U.S. or metric units),programming alarm or setting states (e.g. flash all display means redwhen the total volume has exceeded a certain volume, for example, 15gallons).

In addition, it is anticipated that the sensor analog (or digital) datathat is communicated either through direct wiring or through a wirelessmeans that is then amplified by a circuit and connected to themicroprocessor 84 through one of the analog-to-digital modules (ifnecessary). It is also anticipated by the Applicants that the displaymeans 20 of the first embodiment can be located remotely from the sensorand CPU or microprocessor 84 with data transfer means 83 communicatedwirelessly. Hence, the data transfer mean 83 can be used to transferwater parameters to a remotely positioned receiver apparatus. It is alsopossible to have a local data means 20 together with a remotely locateddata receiver apparatus. The data transfer means 83 can useradio-frequency, Bluetooth, Zigbee, WiFi, optical or other wirelesstechnology for transferring the water parameter data generated by thesensors and collected by the microprocessor and sent to a wireless to adisplay means 20 and/or a remotely positioned receiver apparatus.Display means 20 and/or a remotely positioned receiver apparatus canhave the function allows an individual or entity to review that data forauditing or monitoring purposes. This could be useful in commercialoperations, such as in hotels, motels, work-out facilities or othercommercial operations that allows individuals to use water supplieswhereby the wireless transfer means or communication 83 can be sent to aremote receiver that displays or records the water parameters. Forexample, a particular hotel chain might allow guests to use a certainquantity of water for shower purposes, e.g. 35 gallons per day. Maids orother individuals having access to the individual's room can have adisplay means 20 that monitors and records the amount water used perday. If the individual uses 40 gallons per day, the hotel chain willhave water parameter data to add an additional charge to the individualhotel bill for the additional water usage. Examples of Bluetooth modules(using the 2.4 GHz band as WiFi) that can be added to the presentinvention are the RN-4.1 Bluetooth modules available from RovingNetworks in Los Gatos, Calif., the KC-41, KC 11.4, KC-5100, KC-216 orKC-225 data serial modules from KC Wireless in Tempe Ariz., and/or theBT-21 module from Amp'ed RF wireless solutions in San Jose, Calif.Examples of wireless protocols that can be utilized with the presentinvention include, but are not limited to, the IEEE 802.11a, IEEE802.11b, IEEE 802.11g and IEEE 802.11n modulation techniques. Applicantsrecognize that there are numerous wireless protocols that have beendeveloped that, although not specifically listed, could be utilized withthe present invention for data transfer purposes.

In addition, the wireless or wire data transfer can be connected to theInternet using the IP or DHCP protocols whereby the data can bemonitored remotely over the Internet using a software program designedto record, display, analyze and/or audit the water parameter data. Thepresent invention would probably have to “log on” to a server to reportthe water parameters or it could respond to queries once its presence isknown to the server.

Also some wireless routers support a form of “private” point-to-point orbridging operation which could be used to transfer water parameter datafrom the present invention to a receiving apparatus. Other kinds ofproprietary protocols to be used with the present invention are possibleas well. For example, there are the ISM (industrial, scientific andmedical) bands. The ISM bands are defined by the ITU-R in 5.138, 5.150,and 5.280 of the Radio Regulations. Individual countries' use of thebands designated in these sections may differ due to variations innational radio regulations. Because communication devices using the ISMbands must tolerate any interference from ISM equipment, these bands aretypically given over to uses intended for unlicensed operation, sinceunlicensed operation typically needs to be tolerant of interference fromother devices anyway. In the United States of America, ISM uses of theISM bands are governed by Part 18 of the FCC rules, while Part 15Subpart B contains the rules for unlicensed communication devices, eventhose that use the ISM frequencies. Part 18 ISM rules prohibit using ISMfor communications.

The ISM bands defined by the ITU-R are:

Frequency Center range [Hz] frequency [Hz] Availability 6.765-6.795 MHz6.780 MHz Subject to local acceptance 13.553-13.567 MHz 13.560 MHz26.957-27.283 MHz 27.120 MHz 40.66-40.70 MHz 40.68 MHz 433.05-434.79 MHz433.92 MHz Region 1 only 902-928 MHz 915 MHz Region 2 only 2.400-2.500GHz 2.450 GHz 5.725-5.875 GHz 5.800 GHz 24-24.25 GHz 24.125 GHz 61-61.5GHz 61.25 GHz Subject to local acceptance 122-123 GHz 122.5 GHz Subjectto local acceptance 244-246 GHz 245 GHz Subject to local acceptance

While currently the 430 MHz and 900 MHz frequencies are commonly used inthe US, it is anticipated by the Applicants that the other frequenciescould be used for water parameter transfers such as Zigbee.

Another protocol known as CAN or CAN-bus (ISO 11898-1) that wasoriginally designed for automotive applications, but now moving intoindustrial applications is another type of network that could be used totransfer water parameter data. Devices that are connected by a CANnetwork are typically sensors, actuators and control devices. A CANmessage never reaches these devices directly, but instead ahost-processor and a CAN Controller is needed between these devices andthe bus.

Also shown in FIG. 5 is a speaker or chiming electro-acoustic transducer110 for producing various sounds or verbal information. In the simplestform, the speaker can send out chiming or ring or other non-descriptsounds to alert an individual of a particular situation, such as thedesired temperature has been reached or an alarm state has beendetected. In a more advanced form, the speaker can verbalize certainparameter information or provide confirmatory responses to verbal orauditory commands.

Also shown in FIG. 5 is a microphone 112 for detecting audio or voicecommands that communicates with the microprocessor which includesinstructions to perform certain activities, such as turning on and offthe water supply or display certain water parameters.

Now turning to FIG. 6 which shown a perspective view showing the displayapparatus 20 near a shower head 14 installed in a typical showerenclosure communicating or annunciating an audio signal or verbalmessage to the ear 164 of an individual 162. In this operation, thespeaker or electro-acoustic transducer 110 of the present inventioncould be informing an individual that a parameter has been met. Forexample, the speaker 110 could annunciate that “the set temperature of102 degrees has been obtained”, “the water above set temperature”, “theflow rate too high”, “the shower time has 2 minutes left” or “alarmstate is present”. The present invention speaker 110 can also annunciatenon-descript messages or signals, such as increasing chimes or signalsto indicate the shower or faucet water is increasing in temperature, ordecreasing chimes signals to indicate that the shower or faucet water isturning off. It is also anticipated by the Applicant that the presentinvention can include a combination of defined verbal or audio messagesand non-descript signals. These examples are only exemplary and it isanticipated by the Applicant that numerous other annunciated audiosignals or verbal messages could be included in the present invention.While FIG. 6 details the process of annunciating a verbal signal oraudio message 160 to an individual 162 is shown in an typical showerenclosure, this process can be also utilized in typical sink and faucetembodiments shown in FIGS. 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12.

In additional, the speaker 110 of the present invention could beutilized to reply to an audio or verbal command 163 for confirmationpurposes, such as “Did you ask me to turn on the water?”, “Did you askme to the water turned off?”, “Want to enter programming mode?”, “Wantto set to metric units?”, “Want to restrict to 2.2 liters per minutes?”,etc. The confirmation audio or verbal messages will function to minimizethe occurrence of false positive commands whereby false commands mightbe generated from normal conservations or television/radio speakers thatare in close proximity to or are heard by the microphone 112. Also,these examples are only exemplary and it is anticipated by the Applicantthat numerous other annunciated audio or verbal messages could beincluded in the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an individual 162 using their mouth166 to communicate an audio or verbal command 163 received by themicrophone 112 of the display apparatus 20 installed in a typical showerenclosure.

The audio or voice commands or messages 163 that are received by themicrophone 112 can be use in a toggle function, e.g. the first receivedaudio or verbal command 163 can turn the water on and a second audio orverbal command 163 can turn the water off. The audio or verbal commands163 can be the words “on” and “off”, other programmed words or phrasesthat are recognized by the software programmed into the microprocessoror simply by a clap of the hands, whistle, snapping the fingers, oranother non-descript audio means. It is also anticipated that thepresent invention can receive, through the microphone 112, other words,such as “brighter”, “sequence parameters”, “dimmer”, “program mode”,“faster”, “slower”, “show temperature”, set temperature at 102 degrees”,“change to metric” or other words that the software will recognize toperform certain tasks or operations associated with the descriptiveword. The example commands are only exemplary as numerous other commandscan be programmed for performing operations for the present invention.The present invention with verbal or audio command means 163 could havethe audio or voice commands that correspond with programminginstructions within the microprocessor or equivalent apparatus forturning on and off, increasing or decreasing the temperature, entering aprogramming mode, changing units, or other features can be incorporatedinto a faucet, shower or bath water supply system for controlling thewater parameters. It is also anticipated that the audio and verbalcommand means 163 can be a stand-alone feature of the present inventionwithout the need for a water parameter display. In operation, generallyone turns on the water and adjusts the control dial/mechanism to theright temperature. Here, the present invention can respond to the audioor verbal command 163 to “turn on” the water supply and adjust to “95degrees F.” (in this temperature adjust example, the present inventionwould need to have the capacity to independently control both the hotand cold water lines, not shown). After the individual rinses off, theycan either move to the side or turn off the water to begin applying soapand/or shampoo. The present invention can “turn off” the water supply byreceiving an audio or verbal command 163. Once the individual hascompleted applying the soap and/or shampoo, the individual usually usesa “soapy” hand to turn on the control dial/mechanism. The presentinvention can “turn on” the water supply without touching the controldial/mechanism and getting it “soapy” by receiving an audio or verbalcommand or message. Once the individual has rinsed off and want toterminate the shower, the individual can use the present invention to“turn off” the water supply. The verbal or audio commands presented hereare only exemplary, and many other various of verbal or audio commandscan be utilized. Furthermore, in a simple example, the shower orsink/bath faucet can to toggled on and off with a non-descript verbal oraudio signal, such as the clap of the hands.

Voice recognition software, now common in many computer programs and inmany GPS systems, could be incorporated into the memory banks of themicroprocessor for audio or verbal command or annunciation processesinstructions. Such programs can be incorporated into the memory of themicroprocessor or a n additional bank of memory. Examples of audio orverbal recognition software are Dragon Naturally Speaking and otherverbal recognition products developed and marketed by the NuanceCommunications Inc. This product allows more efficiency with your PC.For example, it is stated that the product can turn your voice into textthree times faster than most people type with up to 99% accuracy. DragonNaturally Speaking works with the most commonly used desk applications,including Microsoft Word, Internet Explorer, AOL and more.

MacSpeech Dictate is another verbal recognition product that recognizesand understands 13 English language variations, nine with U.S. spellingand four with U.K. spelling.

e-Speaking is a comprehensive voice and speech recognition program touse your voice for command & control of your computer and dictation.Reduce or eliminate mouse clicks or keyboard input. Open Web sites,documents, or programs using your voice. Perform navigation and editingfunctions, dictate letters, memos, and email messages.

Tazti—Free Speech Recognition Software by Voice Tech Group, Inc.—TheTazti application was designed to be a voice recognition search softwareand allows a user to make searches of many search engines by talking tohis/her PC. Users can log into, navigate and search the Facebook andMyspace websites by speaking to their PC, Users can control the iTunesplayer (by Apple) if it's installed on their PC, change tracks, adjustvolume, search or spell search Itunes music store and perform 30 otherfunctions by speaking to their PC, Users can perform searches and spellsearches of popular search engines . . . . Google, Yahoo, MSN,Wikipedia, ASK by speaking to their PC. Tell tazti which search engineto use, then when it signals you with a beep, tell it what to search forand it brings you the results of your search, Users can perform searchesand spell searches for videos, photos, music and other items on AOLVideo, Flicker, Amazon and Ebay by speaking to their PC.

Windows Speech Recognition—Windows Speech Recognition in Windows Vistaempowers users to interact with their computers by voice. It wasdesigned for people who want to significantly limit their use of themouse and keyboard while maintaining or increasing their overallproductivity. You can dictate documents and emails in mainstreamapplications, use voice commands to start and switch betweenapplications, control the operating system, and even fill out forms onthe Web.

CMU Sphinx is a popular open source speech recognition system. It iscurrently used by researchers and developers in many locationsworld-wide, including universities, research institutions and inindustry. CMU Sphinx's liberal license terms has made it a significantmember of the open source community and has provided a low-cost way forcompanies to build businesses around speech recognition.

VoxForge was set up to collect transcribed speech for use in Open SourceSpeech Recognition Engines (“SRE”s) such as such as ISIP, HTK, Juliusand Sphinx.

The Hidden Markov Model Toolkit (HTK) is a portable toolkit for buildingand manipulating hidden Markov models. HTK is primarily used for speechrecognition research although it has been used for numerous otherapplications including research into speech synthesis, characterrecognition and DNA sequencing. HTK is in use at hundreds of sitesworldwide. HTK consists of a set of library modules and tools availablein C source form. The tools provide sophisticated facilities for speechanalysis, HMM training, testing and results analysis. The softwaresupports HMMs using both continuous density mixture Gaussians anddiscrete distributions and can be used to build complex HMM systems. TheHTK release contains extensive documentation and examples.

“Julius” is a high-performance, two-pass large vocabulary continuousspeech recognition (LVCSR) decoder software for speech-relatedresearchers and developers. Based on word N-gram and context-dependentHMM, it can perform almost real-time decoding on most current PCs in 60k word dictation task. Major search techniques are fully incorporatedsuch as tree lexicon, N-gram factoring, cross-word context dependencyhandling, enveloped beam search, Gaussian pruning, Gaussian selection,etc. Besides search efficiency, it is also modularized carefully to beindependent from model structures, and various HMM types are supportedsuch as shared-state triphones and tied-mixture models, with any numberof mixtures, states, or phones. Standard formats are adopted to copewith other free modeling toolkit such as HTK, CMU-Cam SLM toolkit, etc.

IBM ViaVoice—With Embedded ViaVoice technology behind today's smallmobile devices and automotive telematics systems, developers can easilyprovide users with voice access to information. Provides fullyintegrated, automatic speech-recognition and text-to-speech capabilitiesfor small mobile devices, including automotive telematics systems andhands-free phones, Helps minimize the skills and time needed to developadvanced voice applications for devices and remote systems, Includesfreeform command support for natural and intuitive command phrases thatdo not need to be known ahead of time or memorized for future use.

The Applicant anticipates that custom developed software using some ofthe previously described software code or completely custom designedcode could be utilized with the present invention to process programmedinstructions. The Applicant also anticipates that the audio or verbalannunciation could be in or for international languages (e.g. Spanish,German, Japanese), different voices, e.g. male or female, English orAmerican or Australian dialects. And the audio or verbal control meanscould function to control the volume of the speaker or to control thesensitivity or performance features of the microphone.

The Applicant also anticipates that in some software instances, theteaching session or period for certain verbal, audio or speechrecognition may be necessary to calibrate the present invention tocertain situations.

It is also anticipated that the microphone 112 or programmed softwaremight need to be tuned to reject, discern or attenuate certainfrequencies, such as those generated by running water to be able todetect and comprehend the audio or verbal commands. Alternately, certainaudio filters may be utilized to reject, discern or attenuate certainfrequencies, such as those generated by running water, to be able todetect and comprehend the audio or verbal commands.

It is anticipated by the Applicant that over-ride mechanism(s), e.g. awater control valve, can be also used with the present invention in thesituation where any audio or verbal commands are not properly receivedand the water parameter must be controlled.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a third embodiment showing the displayapparatus 130 extending from a typical sink 120, having a drain 124,overflow drain 126, drain control knob 128, single valve hot or coldcontrol valve 127, and sink faucet 122. The display apparatus is showndisplaying water parameters and having a speaker 110 and microphone 112.The electrical circuitry and microprocessor can be located with thedisplay apparatus 130 or can be positioned in a remote location e.g.under the sink, and electronically communicate with the displayapparatus 130, microphone 112 or speaker 110 using wired or wirelesstechnology.

It is also anticipated that standard sink and bath faucets, and currentfaucets which have motion or infra-red sensors for turning on an off thewater supply could benefit from the audio or verbal detection meansdescribed herein. The disadvantage of the current faucets with motion orinfra-red sensors technology is that the individual user has no controlover that device. In some cases the lack of control by the user isdesired, for example in public restrooms where water control isessential and misuse can result in wasted water usage. But in othersituations, such as in private facilities or home, it would bebeneficial. For example, it would be advantageous to instruct the faucetto turn on for a few seconds to wet the hands, the turn off as oneapplies soap, and then turn on again for rinsing the soap/debris fromthe hands, and then turning water off. Various conditions, e.g. dirtygreasy hands vs. sanitization of one's hands, would require varioustiming situations.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment showing the displayapparatus 148 extending from a typical bath 140, with a hot 146 and cold144 water control valve, and a bath faucet 142. The display apparatus isshown displaying water parameters and having a speaker 110 andmicrophone 112. The electrical circuitry and microprocessor can belocated with the display apparatus 148 or can be positioned in a remotelocation e.g. under the sink, and electronically communicate with thedisplay apparatus 130, microphone 112 or speaker 110 using wired orwireless technology.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the third, fourth, fifth and sixthembodiments of the display apparatus showing a speaker 110 and amicrophone 112 incorporated within the display apparatus. The positionand size of the speaker 110 and microphone 112 are relative and onlyexemplary, as the either or both the speaker 110 and microphone 112 canbe located in other orientations and positions e.g. speaker on the backside of the display, and the relative size of the speaker 110 might bedifferent. While standard speakers or electro-acoustic transducerstechnology is incorporated by reference into the present invention, itis preferable that that speakers or electro-acoustic transducers bewater resistant or water proof. Usually to accomplish this feature,speakers or electro-acoustic transducers use a special coating orcovering to achieve the waterproof condition. In addition, waterproofpiezoelectric speakers might also be utilized in the present invention.Likewise, while standard microphone (electro-to-acoustic transducers)technology is incorporated by reference into the present invention, itis preferable that that microphone or electro-to-acoustic transducers bewater resistant or water proof. Usually to accomplish this feature,microphones and electro-acoustic transducers use a special coating orcovering to achieve the waterproof condition. In addition, waterproofpiezoelectric microphones might also be utilized in the presentinvention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment showing the displayapparatus 150 incorporated within a sink faucet 112 attached to atypical sink 120, having a drain 124, overflow drain 126, drain controlknob 128, hot or cold control valve 127 (could be a single hot/coldcontrol valve knob). The display apparatus is shown dispNying waterparameters and having a speaker 110 and microphone 112. The electricalcircuitry and microprocessor can be located with the display apparatus130 or can be positioned in a remote location e.g. under the sink, andelectronically communicate with the display apparatus 130, microphone112 or speaker 110 using wired or wireless technology.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment showing the displayapparatus 152 incorporated with a bath faucet 142 attached to a typicalbath 140, with a hot 146 and cold 144 water control valve. The displayapparatus displaying water parameters and is shown having a speaker 110and microphone 112. The electrical circuitry and microprocessor can belocated with the display apparatus 148 or can be positioned in a remotelocation e.g. under the sink, and electronically communicate with thedisplay apparatus 130, microphone 112 or speaker 110 using wired orwireless technology.

While this invention has been described as having a preferred design,the present invention can be further modified within the spirit andscope of this disclosure. The application is therefore intended to coverany variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its generalprinciples. Further, this application is intended to cover suchdepartures from the present disclosure as come within known or customarypractice and the art to which this invention pertains and which fallwithin the limits of the appended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A shower, a bath, sink, kitchen, or otherfaucet head or body assembly including a time-based water parameterdisplay apparatus, said time-based water parameter display apparatus,comprising: an electronic display apparatus either connected by a waterpipe union, joint mechanism, articulated joint mechanism, or locatedremotely to a shower, sink, bath, kitchen or other faucet head or bodyassembly, said water pipe union, joint mechanism or articulated jointmechanism having a wired communication means, or said remotely locateddisplay means having a wired or wireless electronic communication means;said electronic display including electrical circuitry, amicroprocessor, and a power supply said electronic display optionallyhaving activator or touch screen functionality; a timing parameter, saidtiming parameter monitoring and exhibiting the cumulative time since thewater flow has been initiated on said display; a temperature sensor incommunication with said electrical circuitry; a flow sensor inelectrical communication with said electrical circuitry; said electronicdisplay apparatus in electrical communication with said electricalcircuitry, said electrical circuitry having a programmablemicroprocessor that is designed to simultaneously or sequentially showtemperature, timing and water flow rate parameters on a said electronicdisplay apparatus; a verbal or audio communication means designed tocommunicate with said electrical circuitry and said microprocessor forprocessing certain operational instructions; said microprocessor havingprogrammed software instructions, and/or said electrical circuitry hasaudio filters, to reject, discern or attenuate certain frequencies thatinterfere with said audio or verbal commands, and; wherein saidtime-based water parameter display apparatus includes an over-ridemechanism in the situation where any audio or verbal commands are notproperly received or misinterpreted, said over-ride mechanism comprisingan electronic button or switch located on said kitchen, shower, sink,bath or other faucet head or body assembly that electricallycommunicates with said electrical circuitry.
 2. A shower, bath, sink,kitchen or other faucet head or body assembly including a time-basedwater parameter display apparatus of claim 1, wherein said verbal oraudio communication means comprises an detection means that includes amicrophone or electro-to-acoustic transducer designed to receive anaudio signal or verbal instruction.
 3. A shower, bath, sink, kitchen orother faucet head or body assembly including a time-based waterparameter display apparatus of claim 2, wherein said audio signal orverbal instruction “on” turns on the supply water.
 4. A shower, bath,sink, kitchen or other faucet head or body assembly including atime-based water parameter display apparatus of claim 2, wherein saidaudio signal or verbal instruction “off” turns off the supply water. 5.A shower, bath, sink, kitchen or other faucet head or body assemblyincluding a time-based water parameter display apparatus of claim 2,wherein any audio signal or verbal instruction toggles the supply wateron and off.
 6. A shower, bath, sink, kitchen or other faucet head orbody assembly including a time-based water parameter display apparatusof claim 2, wherein the microprocessor has software that recognizesvarious audio or verbal commands that uses descriptive words and phrasesand has software instructions associated with the descriptive wordsand/or phrases that performs specific activities or operations.
 7. Ashower, bath, sink, kitchen or other faucet head or body assemblyincluding a time-based water parameter display apparatus of claim 1,wherein, the microprocessor can be programmed to respond to custom audiosignals or verbal.
 8. A shower, bath, sink, kitchen or other faucet heador body assembly including a time-based water parameter displayapparatus of claim 1, wherein the verbal or audio communication meanscomprises a speaker or electro-acoustic transducers for annunciating orcommunicating a confirmatory verbal message or audio signal.
 9. Ashower, bath, sink, kitchen or other faucet head or body assemblyincluding a time-based water parameter display apparatus of claim 1,wherein said electrical circuitry and microprocessor are remotelypositioned and communicate with said display apparatus by wired orwireless means.
 10. A shower, sink, bath, kitchen or other faucet heador body assembly incorporating a time-based water parameter displayassembly, said shower, said faucet head or body incorporating atime-based water parameter apparatus comprising: a shower, bath, sink,kitchen or other faucet head or body assembly; an electronic displayapparatus incorporated within or attached to said faucet head or body,said display means having the capability to visually display one or morewater parameters from a display; electrical circuitry with a powersource; a microprocessor, said microprocessor in electricalcommunication with said electrical circuitry; a timing parameter, saidtiming parameter monitoring and exhibiting the cumulative time since thewater flow has been initiated on said display; a temperature sensor inelectrical communication with said electrical circuitry; a flow sensorin electrical communication with said electrical circuitry; saidelectronic display apparatus in electrical communication with saidelectrical circuitry, said electrical circuitry having a programmablemicroprocessor that is designed to simultaneously or sequentiallyexhibit temperature, timing and water flow rate parameters on a saidelectronic display apparatus; a verbal or audio communication meansdesigned to communicate with said electrical circuitry and saidmicroprocessor for processing certain operational instructions; saidmicroprocessor having programmed software instructions, and/or saidelectrical circuitry has audio filters, to reject, discern or attenuatecertain frequencies that interfere with said audio or verbal commands;and wherein said time-based water parameter display apparatus includesan over-ride mechanism in the situation where any audio or verbalcommands are not properly received or misinterpreted, said over-ridemechanism comprising an electronic button or switch located on saidkitchen, shower, sink, bath or other faucet head or body assembly thatelectrically communicates with said electrical circuitry.
 11. A shower,sink, a bath, kitchen or other faucet head or body assemblyincorporating a time-based water parameter display apparatus of claim10, wherein said verbal or audio communication means comprises andetection means that includes a microphone or electro-to-acoustictransducer designed to receive an audio signal or verbal instruction.12. A shower, sink, a bath, kitchen or other faucet head or bodyassembly incorporating a time-based water parameter display apparatus ofclaim 11, wherein said audio signal or verbal instruction “on” turns onthe supply water.
 13. A shower, sink, a bath, kitchen or other faucethead or body assembly time-based water parameter display apparatus ofclaim 11, wherein said audio signal or verbal instruction “off” turnsoff the supply water.
 14. A shower, sink, a bath, kitchen or otherfaucet head or body assembly time-based water parameter displayapparatus of claim 11, wherein any audio signal or verbal instructiontoggles the supply water on and off.
 15. A shower, sink, a bath, kitchenor other faucet head or body assembly time-based water parameter displayapparatus of claim 11, wherein the microprocessor has software thatrecognizes various audio or verbal commands that use descriptive wordsand phrases and has software instructions associated with thedescriptive words and/or phrases that can perform specific activities oroperations.
 16. A shower, sink, bath, kitchen or other faucet head orbody assembly time-based water parameter display apparatus of claim 10,wherein the microprocessor can be programmed to learn custom audiosignals or verbal instructions.
 17. A kitchen, shower, sink, a bath orother faucet head or body assembly incorporating time-based waterparameter display apparatus of claim 10, wherein the microprocessor canbe programmed to respond to custom audio signals or verbal instructions.18. A kitchen, shower, sink, a bath or other faucet head or bodyassembly incorporating time-based water parameter display apparatus ofclaim 10, wherein the verbal or audio communication means comprises aspeaker or electro-acoustic transducers for annunciating orcommunicating a confirmatory verbal message or audio signal.
 19. Akitchen, shower, sink, a bath or other faucet head or body assemblyincorporating time-based water parameter display apparatus of claim 10,wherein said electrical circuitry and microprocessor are remotelypositioned and communicate with said display apparatus by a wired orwireless means.
 20. A time-based water control/annunciating apparatusfor attaching to the water supply line comprising: electrical circuitrywith a power source; a microprocessor, said microprocessor in electricalcommunication with said electrical circuitry; a timing parameter, saidtiming parameter monitoring the cumulative time since the water flew hasbeen initiated; a temperature sensor in electrical communication withsaid electrical circuitry; a flow sensor in electrical communicationwith said electrical circuitry; an electronic display apparatus inelectrical communication with said electrical circuitry, said electricalcircuitry having a programmable microprocessor that is designed tosimultaneously or sequentially show temperature, timing and flowparameters on said electronic display apparatus; a verbal or audiocommunication means designed to communicate with said electricalcircuitry and said microprocessor for processing certain operationalinstructions; said microprocessor having programmed softwareinstructions, and/or said electrical circuitry has audio filters, toreject, discern or attenuate certain frequencies that interfere withsaid audio or verbal commands; and wherein said time-based waterparameter display apparatus includes an over-ride mechanism in thesituation where any audio or verbal commands are not properly receivedor misinterpreted, said over-ride mechanism comprising an electronicbutton or switch that electrically communicates with said electricalcircuitry.
 21. The time-based water control/annunciating apparatus ofclaim 20, wherein said verbal or audio communication means comprises andetection means that includes a microphone or electro-to-acoustictransducer designed to receive an audio sign or verbal instruction. 22.The time-based water control/annunciating apparatus of claim 21, whereinsaid audio signal or verbal instruction “on” turns on the supply water.23. The time-based water control/annunciating apparatus of claim 21,wherein said audio signal or verbal instruction “off” turns off thesupply water.
 24. The time-based water control/annunciating apparatus ofclaim 21, wherein any audio signal or verbal instruction initiatesinstructions to toggle the supply water on and off.
 25. The time-basedwater control/annunciating apparatus of claim 21, wherein themicroprocessor has software that recognizes various audio or verbalcommands that use descriptive words and phrases and has softwareinstructions associated with the descriptive words and/or phrases thatcan perform specific activities.
 26. The time-based watercontrol/annunciating apparatus of claim 20, Wherein the microprocessorcan be programmed to learn various audio signals or verbal instructions.27. The time-based water control/annunciating apparatus of claim 20,wherein the microprocessor can be programmed to respond to custom audioor verbal instructions or signals.
 28. The time-based watercontrol/annunciating apparatus of claim 20, wherein the verbal or audiocommunication means comprises a speaker or electro-acoustic transducersfor annunciating or communicating a confirmatory verbal message or audiosignal.